Qaraqalpaq hám ingliz naqıl-maqallarında “hayal” obrazınıń semantikalıq ózgeshelikleri

Abstract

This paper investigates, from a comparative perspective, the semantic features of the image of woman in Karakalpak and English proverbs and sayings. Proverbs and sayings are viewed as folklore units that reflect a people’s historical experience, social relations, moral values and gender attitudes. The aim of the study is to identify the semantic components associated with the image of woman in the two languages and to reveal their similarities and differences. The analysis draws on the 2015 collection of Karakalpak proverbs and sayings and on scholarly works devoted specifically to English proverbs with a gender component. The material was divided into semantic groups such as wifehood, motherhood, daughter-in-law status, kinship, domestic life, morals and character, beauty, and intellect and wisdom. The results showed that in both languages the image of woman denotes not only biological sex but also a particular social role, status and set of values. While in the Karakalpak material woman is strongly connected with domestic life and the kinship system, the English material portrays her more broadly through wifehood, motherhood, personal behavior and gender opposition.